Heartwood is a program that teaches universal attributes through multicultural literature.
Sept./Oct. – Respect
November- Honesty December – Love January – JusticeFebruary – Courage March – Loyalty
April – Hope
In kindergarten we introduce each attribute with our lion puppet "Hearty" and with a short story. We then discuss the attribute at a primary level. Following the conceptual discussion we read a focus book that includes the Heartwood attribute as a theme. As a follow up, we have the students write and draw in a journal about how they personally demonstrate the attribute.
In addition, we read a variety of trade books throughout the year that we tie to the Heartwood attributes.
On a daily basis we discuss several of the Heartwood attributes such as respect and love in the context of our social interactions (i.e. cooperation, compromise, sharing). Developing and utilizing our classroom rules is another time when Heartwood attributes are extended.
Specific times of the year when we reinforce Heartwood attributes include winter holidays, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Valentine’s Day,and Mothers' Day.
Finally, we discuss celebrations in the United States and in other countries. As part of these studies we learn about other cultures through books, videos, and speakers. Students begin by sharing information about their own family heritage and what makes them special. Later we focus on a few specific cultures. Of interest is how people and cultures are both different and the same here and in other countries. Our goal is to demonstrate respect for all people.
I encourage you to discuss these important attributes at home with your child!
Heartwood in KindergartenHeartwood is a program that teaches universal attributes through multicultural literature.
November- Honesty
December – Love
January – JusticeFebruary – Courage
March – Loyalty
April – Hope
In kindergarten we introduce each attribute with our lion puppet "Hearty" and with a short story. We then discuss the attribute at a primary level. Following the conceptual discussion we read a focus book that includes the Heartwood attribute as a theme. As a follow up, we have the students write and draw in a journal about how they personally demonstrate the attribute.
In addition, we read a variety of trade books throughout the year that we tie to the Heartwood attributes.
On a daily basis we discuss several of the Heartwood attributes such as respect and love in the context of our social interactions (i.e. cooperation, compromise, sharing). Developing and utilizing our classroom rules is another time when Heartwood attributes are extended.
Specific times of the year when we reinforce Heartwood attributes include winter holidays, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Valentine’s Day,and Mothers' Day.
Finally, we discuss celebrations in the United States and in other countries. As part of these studies we learn about other cultures through books, videos, and speakers. Students begin by sharing information about their own family heritage and what makes them special. Later we focus on a few specific cultures. Of interest is how people and cultures are both different and the same here and in other countries. Our goal is to demonstrate respect for all people.
I encourage you to discuss these important attributes at home with your child!